Accepting the Gentiles into the Church

 Acts 11:1-18

Rehash of last week - 

Acts 11:1-3 -  received the Word = received Christ
(A)  "circumcised believers" ?  Weren't all believers circumcised at this point? - up to this point - yes! Including the Samaritans and the Egyptian Eunuch.
Probably reference to "Judaizers" - Acts 15:1-2, also Galatians - Thought new believers had to follow Mosaic Law

(B)  The criticism" ? not that "you took gospel to the Gentiles",  rather = "you entered and ate with them!" - 

On one hand, no "Law" against sharing gospel with the Gentiles
However, "tradition of the elders" forbade (unnecessary) communion with them.
This = not a salvation or baptism issue, but fellowship issue.

So... Acts 11:4-18 - what God has made clean is clean.
NOW the issue of receiving Gentiles into the church = covered
BUT ... issue of "should they now keep Mosaic Law?" is not nearly covered!!

Since some of this still surfaces today... - "not under the law"/what about Sabbath keeping?/ marriage and divorce? foods?

Just a quick note on the 3 divisions of the LAW:

   the Civil Law of Israel - are not under this
   the Ceremonial Law - not under this.  designed to lead people to Christ.  Jesus fulfilled.
   the Moral Law - hasn't changed

NOW:  some observations, lessons, applications for us today:

#1.  The early church was (obviously) NOT a Baptist church!!??  IF it were..... Acts 11:18 ... "OK!  Gentiles accepted BUT ... Issue = you entered and at!!  And a long, volitile Business meeting would follow!!

Point:  Don't Major on the Minors  = peripheral issues but they are not essential issues.  Peripheral issues are important!  BUT ... they are not essential!!

#2.  Questioning God is not necessarily doubting (or disobeying) God.
Acts 11:8 - Peter = confused, perplexed/ seeking clarity.
Compare:  Ananias (Acts 9:13-14)   Job,  Jeremiah "buy the field"

#3.  You don't have to understand God to obey God
   examples:  Peter - here.  Ananias & Saul   Jeremiah & field
You need to understand WHAT He wants, not WHY!!   - Peter didn't understand, but was obedient.
FAITH = acting on what you Know ... Even when you're confused, puzzled, afraid or grieved by it!  (Abraham told to sacrifice Isaac)

#4.  Acts 11:16 "then I remembered" = Peter heard this 3 years earlier ... and it made NO sense then... But NOW!!??
Point = All Biblical Knowledge is useful at some time and place.

And You'll never outgrow the need or capacity for learning more about God.  Never get that mature!!
example:  apostle John in his 90's when he received "Revelation" 

#5. How to maintain Purity without maintaining distance?   1 Cor. 5:9-11  1 Pet. 2:9
We are supposed to be different.

#6.  Acts 11:18 - still stands today - Acts 11:18 - shortened ... "God has granted repentance unto life"
(ie:  Eternal life - through His Son)

OR might say "He has granted the opportunity/option of...
But.... "Grace offered is not necessarily grace received.  MUST accept Jesus Christ.

#7.  Acts 11:13-14 = "angel said 'send for Peter and hes message!'
Question:  Why didn't the Angel share the message?  gospel??
On one hand, don't know!  However, I do know
God has called and charged us (Christians) to share this message.  Matt. 28:18-20
Angels don't seem to be allowed to do this.

Therefore, Octavia Baptist Church mission statement = CP2G - (connect people to God)  go MAD (make a difference)  go MAED - (make an eternal difference)

Closing:  Rom. 1:14-17

The Gospel for All

Acts 10:1 - Cornelius - Roman Centurion - devout and God-fearing - generous - prayerful - good man.  Well thought of by his countrymen.   But still lost.

Point #1.  Being a great guy will not save you.
Rom. 3:23, Isa. 64:6 - our righteousness as filthy rags.

Acts 10:4- many good works - cannot earn your way into heaven.

Acts 10:4-8
Point #2:  If you seek God with all your heart ... He'll show up.  Probably not as an angel. 
Seek God out. 
Examples:  Jer. 33:3, Jer. 29:13, Deut. 4:29, James 4:8, Matt. 7-7-8

Acts 10:9-10 - Not a dream or imagination, but heightened consciousness.  God was working in both ends of this story.  Clean and unclean animals on one sheet. 

Acts 10:11-16 - directives of New Covenant for dietary and ceremonial laws. 
See also:  1 Tim. 4:3-5, Gal. 2, Matt. 15:11, Mark 7:19 - commanded of God.  Peter was faithful to follow.
Old Testament dietary and ceremonial laws set Israel apart, but now there is no separation.  (Jews tended to think they were better.)
But:  Rom. 1:16, Gal. 3:26-29  - all are equal in Christ alone!

God was dealing with Peter's heart.  3 times was told to rise up, kill, and eat.  3 times he denied knowing Christ before the crucifixion, 3 times Jesus asked "do you love me?"   

No longer separation between Jews and Gentiles.

Acts 10:17-23 - Peter was confused, shook up, but obedient.

Point #3.  Be immediate in your obedience  (Jonah, children of Israel - found the hard way when disobeyed the command)
Tough obedience - Peter was a self-respecting Jew.  Still struggled with Jew/Gentile situation.  Gal. 2 shows later struggle.
But, he invited the group from Cornelius into the house as his guests.  Wonder what did Simon the tanner think of this?  neighbors down the street?  

Acts 10:23 - brought some of the brothers with him.

Acts 10:24-25
Point #4 - Are you humble?
James 4:10 - humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

What a picture:  a Roman Centurion and a Galilean fisherman.  Humility to reconcile wit God and also with others.

Point #5:  Are you hungry?  (for the things of God)  Cornelius was anxious, family and friends gathered.  Have you ever had that zeal?  What happened to the zeal and passion that you started out with?

Acts 10:26 - Ananias and Sapphira? - more concerned with the praise of men than of pleasing God.

Acts 10:27-43.  Peter = Jesus is for all.  YHWH is for all.  King of kings.  How?  Believe in Him!!!

Acts 10:44-48 - Yes, God can even save "those people" that perhaps you don't like, don't think they can ever be saved.  He loves those people. 
If people in the Middle East were all saved and living for Jesus Christ, the situation would be solved.

2 Challenges:

A)  Be reconciled to God, or at least seek Him out.

B)  Invite someone to church this week.

Closing Scripture:

Eph. 2:11-22

Following Saul's Conversion

 Last week - Acts 9:1-16 - Saul's Conversion account

Today:  Acts 9:17-25 - Saul receives physical healing (sight restored) and spiritual healing.  Vs. 22 - Jesus IS the Christ, the Son of God 
Vs. 25 - Saul already has followers

The order of events?? 
(1)  short time in Damascus (preaching in the synagogues
(2)  went to Arabia  (covers a large area, not exact as to where)
(3)  back to Damascus  (see 2 Cor. 11:32-33)  is making a real stir
(4)  eventually (after 3 years?) goes to Jerusalem

Acts 9:26-30

Acts 9:31 - "time of peace"? for THE church.  Why?  Saul = been out of commission for three years.

Possible answer:  (according to Josephus and Philo)
In the 3rd. year of Caligula, Roman ruler (39AD?) he sent Petronius to Jerusalem (with a large army) to set up a statue of himself ... AS a God ... IN the temple!  (Holy of Holies!!)  with orders:
if Jews opposed ...
(1)  put all to death who resist
(2)  make the rest of the nation slaves
(he was finally dissuaded by King Herod Agrippa)

Acts 9:31
(1)  The church was strengthened  (in faith and testimony, witnessing, etc.)

(2)  The church was encouraged  (by the holy spirit)
(His presence with them and in a noticeable way!!!)   experiencing His presence

(3)  The church grew in numbers.

OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATIONS  

#1.  Christian conversion is a turning around.
is more than an decision to join a religious group.
== a turning ... from MY way... to HIS way!
(FROM "I direct my life" TO "HE directs my life")

hence need to present Him as BOTH Savior AND Lord!!

#2.  in the new Testament model ... baptism follows conversion.  (hence = believers baptism)
THIS = the NORM and the EXPECTATION 
Baptism = a public declaration of decision and intent

#3.  An extensive Bible Knowledge does not guarantee a mature faith (or Christian lifestyle)
Examples:  Saul, Satan - both knew the scriptures inside out

Ed's definition:
Faith = Action based on Knowledge  (living according to the knowledge God gives)
On one hand, James 2:17
However, Rom. 10:1-2
mature faith requires both!! - Zeal and knowledge doesn't get you saved.

#4.  Your best argument, testimony, and prayer will not convert anyone. 
Example:  Paul - had many converts!  Also, had many enemies!!
What to do?
(1)  Present your best argument, testimony. - do the best with what you have and know.

(2)  Pray the Holy Spirit will use it  - 2 Cor. 4:3-4

(3)  leave the results in God's hands
(which doesn't mean don't continue to witness, pray)

NOTE:  The Gospel was offensive in Paul's day....  the Gospel is offensive TODAY!!!!  - Gospel exposes our sinfulness. Shows us who we are.

Therefore, you'll have some success
AND you'll have some opposition

Now.... concerning teaching, preaching, witnessing, leading, etc.

#5.  Not everyone can be a Paul = amazing leader
     BUT, anyone can be a Barnabas!!
The Jerusalem Apostles didn't trust Saul!!  BUT .. they trusted Barnabas!!  Therefore, on his word, they accepted Paul!!!

Barnabas = an encourager, helper, promoter, supporter

Closing Scripture:  1 Cor. 15:58

Saul's Conversion

 Acts 9 = initial account of conversion

Acts 22 - recount of conversion by Paul before the Jews in Jerusalem

Acts 26 - 2nd. recount before King Agrippa in Caesarea.

Order of Events:  

(1)  martyrdom of Stephen - first Christian martyr
(2)  Acts. 8:1-3   persecution of Christians by Jewish leadership -  Acts 8:4 - word preached wherever they went

(3)  Acts 8:5 - Philip goes to Samaritans

(4)  Acts 8:26-27 - Philip goes to Ethiopian Eunuch

So... the gospel is spreading like crazy (or being spread by the people that were scattered due to persecution)
However, persecutions were increasing!  By the Jews.  Not Rome.

Notes:
Acts 9:1-2 -
(1)  Damascus approximately 150 miles north
(2)  the church is already well established there!
(3)  this was not Saul's 1st. or only persecution trip!!! - Acts 26;11 (numerous times)

Acts 9:3-5 - mid day
Acts 26:12-14 - "goads/ pricks" - (ox goads)  long stick with sharp pointed end

Acts 9:6-10  (note:  companions SAW light and heard sound but not a voice!!)  God speaking to Saul!!

Ananias?  Acts 22:12 - "devout and respected"

Acts 9:11-23

Saul's experience = dramatic, traumatic, "stunning", and immediately LIFE CHANGING!!

SO... some lessons, applications for US gleaned from Saul's experience on the Damascus Road.  
There are parallels here to any call made on our life.

#1.  No one is beyond God's grace
(Paul later) states "I'm chief of sinner":  "I persecuted the church"

Yet.... was chosen!! Example:  John Newton (slave trader); converted, became a preacher, wrote "Amazing Grace"

Point:  don't give up on anybody!!  Including... yourself!!!

But note (distinction)
The Gospel message is NOT a call to come and Receive salvation, Eternal Life, etc.
Rather = call to accept Jesus Christ as LORD and SAVIOR!!  and with Him comes forgiveness, reconciliation, eternal life, etc.
It is not God passing out tickets to Eternal Life - come and get yours!

#2. Few conversions are as dramatic as Saul's, BUT all conversions share some common elements!
        (1)  a call from Jesus - (still small voice?  conviction of the Holy Spirit?
        (2)  a decision - (to respond to the call!)  Everybody has a choice!  (Note:  Acts 26:19 - didn't have to obey!!)

       (3)  A confession  (profession, admission)
Rom. 10:9-10
On one hand the prayer deos not save ..... Christ Saves!!
But Question:  Can a person make a real commitment without (verbal) profession?

      (4)  a turn-around  (converts, turn FROM and turn TO)
(Obviously less "turn" for a child is less obvious ... BUT ... (can you have a changed nature without no visible fruits?)

And
     (5)  A commission
On one hand = child of God
But, on the other hand, ALSO = SERVANT of God!!
So... (eventually) orders?  task? work? ministry?
God will call you to do something!!!  

#3.  A highly emotionally religious experience is not necessarily a conversion
Salvation = result of receiving Christ as Lord and Savior regardless of emotion

#4.  An encounter with Jesus is not always pleasant! 
maybe .... frightening?  shameful!  humbling, et.
(this is true even of subsequent encounters)

#5.  obedience to Christ does not always result in comfort.
Acts 9:16
(But .... does always result in Blessing!!)

#6.  Nevertheless, "it's hard to kick against the pricks"
Question:  point of goad?  = to motivate and direct!
Question:  "kicking against" hurts whom????   - the one being prodded

Finally,
#7.  God often begins an encounter with a question.
Examples:  Adam - "where art thou?"
                Elijah -  "what are you doing here?"
why a question?  Maybe because He KNOWS that you already know the answer ... and He's trying to get you to be honest with yourself!!  Act on the knowledge you have.

Example:  Saul = excellent example of our ability to deceive self!!

Closing Scripture:  1 Tim. 1:15-17
                 

Be An Effective Witness

Acts 8 - recap:  Philip went to Samaria, preached there and people saved.  Peter and John come to verify, lay hands on new Christians, Holy Spirit is given. 

Acts 8:26  
Angel comes to Philip and directs him to desert road going from Jerusalem to Gaza. Philip meets with the Ethiopian Eunuch

Side note:  angel visitation was not a commonplace occurrence.   A few examples of angel visitations:
John the Baptist's father, Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, the Marys at the resurrection, broke apostles out of prison, but still - not an everyday happening.

So this was a very big deal.

We are called to be Ambassadors and Witnesses.  The Holy Spirit is in us!!  May be scary.

Some truths to help us be effective Witnesses.

Truth #1.  God Prepares the way.
Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8 - Jesus has the authority.  God is always working to change hearts, prepare the way.

Acts 8:27-28

Truth #2.  Jesus is for all people.
Isa. 49:6, 51:4, Psm. 67:1-7, Psm. 68:31, Psm. 87:1-7

God had a plan for all people from the beginning.

The Ethiopian was a Gentile, traveled by chariot over 1000 miles, this is the area of the Queen of Sheba who came to visit Solomon.
Very complex:  royal (was in the court of Candace - sister to the king) and lowly, powerful (handled all the secular things of the kingdomy) and a eunuch.  He = in need and recognizes his need, is searching.  Maybe a proselyte.  Definitely is seeking hard. 

Truth #3.  People Need What You Got!
Matt. 11:28-30 - 1 John 4:7-12 -
If are a born again Christian, the Holy Spirit lives in you.  Everybody needs what we have.  May not realize it but they do.
Quote by Glassman:  we have "possession of an elegant solution to the world's most vexing problem."
All the stuff we have will never satisfy.  World doesn't know love.  Unless the Son of God is living inside, you don't know love!

Acts 8:29 - Philip directed to the chariot and to stay near it.  Going when directed should not be our biggest fear.  Rom. 1:16 - don't be ashamed of the gospel.

Acts 8:30-35 - God is all over that.  Eunuch just happened to be reading in the scroll of Isaiah.  Happened to be reading Isa. 53 - this written 700 years before Jesus was despised and rejected by His own people; (My God...., (Nails), (Scourged), (behold), (between criminals), (Father, forgive).  This = the Gospel according to Isaiah - the Old Testament story of Jesus.

What a softball!  Spirit of God - using the Word - to proclaim the Son - by using people - for the glory - praise God!

Truth #4.   Scripture is Powerful.  God's Word does the heavy lifting.  He prepares the ground. 
Isa. 55:10-11, Heb. 4:12, 2 Tim. 3:16-17
Therefore, must read, know, meditate, use, trust God's Word.  - never change or alter.

Acts 8:36-38 - Be baptized.

Acts 8:39-40
Truth #5:  Salvation brings rejoicing ... God handles results
Remember:  the Good News is GOOD!!

Acts 16:33-34 - Philippian jailer 

Question:  what happened to the Eunuch? Scripture doesn't tell us.  Tradition states that there are 53 million professing Christians (64%) in Ethiopia.  The Ethiopia now not the same as it was then, but general area. 
All from one man - one encounter!! 

Challenge: 
A)  pray for one lost person
B) pray for opportunity to share the gospel
C)  if given, take the opportunity.

Closing Scripture:
Rom. 10:14-17